France vs Peru: Key Battle - Can Pogba shine in restricted midfield two role?

It’s been a difficult six months for Paul Pogba and the Manchester United midfielder has not been helped by the uncertainty and lack of clarity about his role for club and country. Jose Mourinho switched frantically been a two-man and three-man midfield last season and Didier Deschamps has done the same for France.

The Euro 2016 finalist started their 2018 World Cup campaign against Australia in a 4-3-3 formation, which should in theory bring out the best in Pogba. However, Les Bleus laboured to a 2-1 win and now it’s been suggested Deschamps will tinker with the set up and revert to a 4-2-3-1 system that worked well two years ago.

Antoine Griezmann flourished in this formation but Pogba, as he did for United last season, struggled for consistency, burdened by the added defensive responsibility he often shirks from. Pogba’s best performances during his time at Juventus came when he had a defined role, free to dominate matches in the knowledge he had Andrea Pirlo dictating the tempo and Arturo Vidal doing all the dirty work beside him.

His role is less clear-cut at the moment. So much is expected of Pogba that not only is he expected to carry the ball 60 yards, but he is expected to defend, assist and score. Even alongside a midfielder as marvellous as N’Golo Kante, there are times where Pogba looks overwhelmed by the demands and expectation. Will that change against Peru? The way Deschamps constantly chops and changes in search of the find system would suggest not.

Out to disrupt Pogba’s rhythm on Thursday is Orlando City midfielder Yotun. The 28-year-old made an impressive start to the season in MLS, garnering a WhoScored rating of 7.47 after 10 matches. The 28-year-old has played a direct hand in seven goals in that time (three goals, four assists), averaging 2.5 dribbles and 2.1 key passes per game.

Not only that, but the Peruvian midfielder has also chimed in with 1.9 tackles per game in MLS this season. The all-action midfielder will be tasked with disrupting France’s rhythm in the middle of the park, while also influencing his side’s own play going forward.

Peru were unfortunate to lose their group opener against Denmark and know they need to beat France to have any realistic ambitions of making the knockout stage of the competitions. As for France, another dismal performance and there will only be more pressure on Pogba and Co heading into their final group match against Denmark.